Advocacy: Materials

VIDEO

How to Perform a Mass Trapping (30 min)

Please go to our home page to watch the Neighbohood Cats instructional video, How to Perform a Mass Trapping which details every step of a successful mass trapping, from pre-trapping preparations to catching and holding cats before and after surgery through release back to the colony's territory. View the 30-minute video in its entirety at no charge at (www.neighborhoodcats.org<http://www.neighborhoodcats.org/>).

Some of the topics covered include the status of feral cats in general, potential obstacles to successful implementation of TNR programs (such as pet limit laws and feeding bans) and TNR-enabling ordinances. Presented by Bryan Kortis.

This 23 page article was authored by Neighborhood Cats and can be used as a template for written presentations about TNR to municipal and shelter officials. All major policy issues are addressed with exhaustive references to academic research and other writings. The article identifies (with red font) the places where you should insert facts and figures unique to your community, allowing you to customize the presentation. Portions can be excerpted as well. (Note: this presentation was authored in 2004 and has not yet been updated.)

Are you interested in advocating for community cats by implementing a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program in your area? If so, this Action Kit from Best Friends Animal Society offers some resources to help guide you through the process and educate people about TNR. The Action Kit includes:What to Do Before Approaching Your Local Government About TNR (Word doc, 6 pages)Frequently Asked Questions About TNR (Word doc, 7 pages)Community Cats and Trap/Neuter/Return: A Presentation to Local Governemnt Officials About TNR (PowerPoint, 4 MB)

FLYERS

Promote TNR

Love Cats (pdf file)Hate Cats (pdf file)These flyers feature comic strips created by Slope Street Cats. Bring the TNR message to cat lovers and haters alike in an entertaining and engaging format. Insert the name and contact info for your organization at the bottom.

This flyer is based on New York State law and is meant to act as a deterrent to a poisoning or other cruelty threat. You should adapt the flyer to reflect the act of cruelty you're concerned about (poisoning, shooting, etc.), the maximum penalties in your jurisdiction and which agencies to contact.

We suggest printing the flyers on bright pink paper, then distribute throughout the neighborhood in question. One word of caution - use these flyers only if there is a substantial basis for believing a poisoning or act of cruelty could happen or has occurred already. Don't put these flyers out simply because there is some hostility in the neighborhood towards the cats. Especially when the cats are not neutered, a degree of hostility is normal and you don't want to needlessly plant any bad ideas.

When the Clark County Commission in Nevada was considering a Trap-Neuter-Return ordinance, an anti-TNR letter was sent to the Commission by the State Veterinarian's Office. Neighborhood Cats responded by sending our own letter to the Commission. Above are links to both letters. They provide a good example of the kind of attacks TNR opponents articulate and how to respond effectively.